History: PADA’s Creator: Center for Rural Development CRD

The “Godfather” of PADA (People’s Action for Development Alternatives) began with Dr. Manti, an economist, who in the late ‘70s asked: What is the problem of these rural disadvantaged people? How might we assist them to address the problem?  From these questions Dr Manti created the Center for Rural Development for administrative and educational purposes in the Guntur area of Andhra Pradesh.  PADA, a child of CRD, became the “hands-on” village implementer of programs to address village problems. 

  Early CRD and PADA had many activities similar to the internationally known Heifer program. For examples: micro-banking services, cottage industries, and livestock/crop improvement programs were established.  In the 90’s and early 2000s they were a major broker between government schemes for housing and community development. Of the 73 villages constructed by CRD/PADA, 26 villages we now serve have their roots in these housing/community development services. In 2006 CRD moved to a collegiate focus, and PADA became an independent development activity.